How to keep calm during the coronavirus outbreak

The coronavirus pandemic isn’t only affecting physical health, it’s having an impact on mental health, too. Experts share their top tips for lowering COVID-19 anxiety.

Amid warnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, panic buying has seen supermarket shelves stripped bare and people stockpiling pasta and toilet rolls.

Sporting clashes are being played in empty stadiums – if at all – and restaurants face closures as diners stay away.

As the situation changes daily, many people are anxiously struggling with the uncertainty of how the coronavirus may affect them and their loved ones.

“Infectious disease outbreaks bring fear and uncertainty that is driven not only by the actual risk, but the perception of the level of risk,” says clinical psychologist Nicole Sadler, of the Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health at the University of Melbourne.

Anxiety levels rising amid coronavirus outbreak

“There is fear and anxiety because people feel they don’t have control over what is happening,” says Nicole.

“Coronavirus is a novel virus and we don’t know enough about it yet, so we’re seeing the normal range of stress reactions like people having trouble sleeping, feeling less safe, drinking and smoking more and socially isolating themselves.”

With the pandemic predicted to get worse before it gets better, how can you ease anxiety about the impacts of coronavirus?

Trust the experts

“As humans, we are hardwired to be afraid of the unknown and of something that appears random and uncontrollable,” said Australian Psychological Society president Ros Knight.

“If you find yourself becoming anxious about coronavirus, try to remember that medical and scientific experts are following strict protocols to contain the virus and treat those affected.”

Be alert, but realistic

“The indications are that for the majority of people, the risk is very low and if you were to get sick your symptoms would be mild,” says Nicole. “Be cautious, but don’t panic.”